Author: dearfibromyalgia

By: Researcher Taymur

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can affect men and women but is more common in women. In both genders, common symptoms include:

• Increase or decrease in bowel movements
• frequent bathroom emergencies
• diarrhea, constipation, or alternation between the two
• feeling that bowel movements are incomplete
• abdominal bloating, cramping, gas, or pain
• heartburn
• feeling uncomfortable or nauseous after eating normal meals
• lower back pain
• symptoms that get worse after meals
• stools that are waterier.

A study published by the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) shows that men are much less likely to report IBS signs to their doctor in Western cultures than women. There is therefore a lack of data on gender-specific symptoms. Symptoms may be continuous, but they come and go in stages for most people, which happens at least three days a month.

Understanding Symptoms in Women

During their childbearing years, women are usually diagnosed with IBS. Further gynecological conditions also appear to be identified by women with IBS.

1^st is Menstruation

Therefore many IBS women say their symptoms vary depending on their menstrual cycles. Because women with IBS can experience more abdominal pain and diarrhea before and during their time. So women with IBS may experience more bloating and constipation after ovulation (day 14 of a cycle).

Women with IBS are more likely to experience the following:

• premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Pregnancy
• painful menstruation
• food sensitivity
• backache
• cramping
• fatigue
• insomnia

As many as one third of all pregnant women say that they have increased heartburn, nausea, and bowel movements or constipation compared to non-pregnant women. Not much research has been done when it comes to linking pregnancy with an increase in IBS symptoms. To find out if these symptoms are due to the fetus ‘ physical pressure on your internal organs or IBS, more studies are needed.

2^nd is Endometriosis

However endometriosis is a condition in which tissue develops outside your uterus, which usually forms the inside of your uterus. However according to IFFGD, some studies show that women with endometriosis have a higher incidence of symptoms related to IBS.

3^rd is Sexual Relationships

So you can experience a decrease in sexual desire if you have IBS. Simlarly during sex, you may also have discomfort and pain. So this can have a powerful impact on sexual intercourse.

4^th is Quality of Life

However frequent breaks in the bathroom, pain, and general discomfort may make working at work, at home, and in social situations more difficult for you. Because many IBS women report depression or isolation feelings.

Understanding Symptoms in Men

Therefore studies show that men are less likely to report IBS symptoms to their doctor in Western countries than women. So this resulted in a scarcity of useful data.

Because several researchers suggest that the male gut may be less responsive to the effects of IBS due to hormonal differences. So others think that men are simply avoiding seeking IBS assistance.

Quality of Life

So unlike women, men with IBS may have sexual intimacy issues. Therefore it may also be difficult for men with IBS to fulfill their work, home, and social obligations. Because they also have a greater chance of suffering from depression.

Giving’s

Similarly, IBS affects both men and women. Whether women have more flare-ups during menstruation and pregnancy is still unclear. It is also uncertain that people do not report their condition to their physicians. This disorder needs to be further investigated and how it affects men and women.

Continue reading to find out which foods might make your IBS more uncomfortable.

1^st is Insoluble Fiber

Fiber supplements the diet with healthy bulk. Fiber is found in whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Although fiber sensitivity is different for different people, in some people with IBS, insoluble fiber can cause or worsen diarrhea.

Based instead on soluble fiber. Keep in mind that insoluble fiber may ease constipation, but it may also cause you to feel bloated.

Soluble fiber foods include:

• grains, like oatmeal and barley
• root vegetables, like carrots and parsnips
• fruits, like berries, mangos, oranges, and grapefruit
• legumes, like peas

2^nd is Gluten

Insoluble fiber content can cause symptoms of IBS in whole grains. Many grains may cause other problems the gluten-containing rye, wheat, and barley.

Gluten is a type of protein that is allergic to some people. This illness is referred to as celiac disease. It can cause symptoms such as those of IBS common in diarrhea.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that arises as a reaction to gluten consumption in some individuals. It can cause changes in the intestinal cells that lead to poor nutrient absorption.

Without the immune response or changes in intestinal cells, many people have gluten sensitivity. This is known as sensitivity to non-celiac gluten. People with this condition can experience the same negative side effects as those with celiac disease and gastrointestinal symptoms of gluten ingestion.

Most individuals with IBS are intolerant of gluten, too. Some studies have shown that gluten sensitivity can contribute to some people’s development of IBS symptoms, and gluten-free diets can improve these symptoms. Everybody is different, though. Finding out how IBS affects gluten will be based on the individual.

The good news is that more gluten-free products come onto the market every day. If you can’t do without pizza, pasta, cakes, or cookies, you can always substitute them with gluten-free options.

3^rd is Dairy

The good news is that every day there are more gluten-free products on the market. Whether you can’t do without pizza, pasta, cakes or cookies, there are two reasons why you can always replace them with glut Dairy. First, it contains fat that can cause diarrhea to increase. To lessen symptoms, you may need to move to low-fat or non-fat dairy. Second, there are many people with IBS who are intolerant to lactose. You may want to consider dairy alternatives such as rice milk and soy cheese if you are lactose intolerant and have IBS.

Try asking your doctor if you need a calcium supplement if you need to cut out the dairy completely to make your life more comfortable.

Options that are end-free.

4^th is Fried foods

The typical American diet is based on French fries and other fried foods. With these foods, moderation is the key. For people with IBS, the high fat content can be particularly difficult on the system. In fact, frying food can change the chemical composition of the food, making it harder to digest. For a healthier option, try grilling or baking your favorite foods.

5^th is Beans and Legumes

Beans are a great source of protein and fiber in general, but they can cause symptoms of IBS. Although beans will increase the bulk in stool to aid constipation, gas, bloating, and cramps are also increased. If you’re like most people with IBS, you’re going to want to add beans to your food list to stop them.

6^th is Caffeinated Drinks

Many people swear for digestive regularity with their morning coffee. Yet coffee has a stimulating effect on the intestines, like all caffeinated drinks, which can cause diarrhea. To people with IBS, tea, sodas, or energy drinks containing caffeine can be causes. Consider eating a small snack or going for a quick walk if you need an energy boost or pick-me-up.

7^th is Processed Foods

Many people don’t always think a lot about what’s in the foods they eat processed. Persons with IBS may want these things to be avoided. In many cases, processed foods contain additives or preservatives that may induce IBS flare-ups.

A large number of processed foods are also often fried and high in fat, such as chips and premade frozen meals. Making meals on your own or buying fresh foods is often a good alternative to buying processed foods where possible.

8^th is Sugar-Free Sweeteners

Sugar-free doesn’t mean that it’s good for your health particularly when it comes to IBS.

Such sweeteners, also known as sugar alcohols, polyols, artificial sweeteners, or substitutes for sugar, are often used in sugarless candy, gum, some food drinks, and even mouthwash. These products contain ingredients such as sucralose, aspartame, acesulfame potassium. Such products, particularly when you have IBS, are difficult for your body to absorb Trusted Source. Make sure you read every sugar-free product you buy on the ingredient labels.

9^th is Chocolate

Due to their caffeine concentration and high sugar content, chocolate bars and chocolate candy can trigger IBS. Since eating chocolate, many people experience constipation. For chocolate lovers, there are some vegan options that people with IBS often find more tolerable.

10^th is Alcohol

Due to the way the body digests alcohol, alcoholic beverages are a big trigger for people with IBS. To begin with, beer is dangerous because it often contains gluten, and sugar is usually found in wines and mixed drinks.

Alcohol may also dehydrate, which may affect the operation and digestion of your liver.

Limiting alcoholic drinks can help to reduce IBS-related symptoms. Consider a gluten-free beer or a drink that is mixed with plain seltzer and has no artificial sweeteners or added sugar when you have a drink.

11^th is Garlic and Onions

Garlic and onions are excellent flavoring agents in your meat, but they can also be difficult to break down for your intestines, allowing gas to break down. Rough garlic and onions can cause painful gas and cramping, and even cooked versions of these foods can be triggers.

12^th is Broccoli and Cauliflower

Broccoli and cauliflower are difficult for people to digest — which is why they are IBS triggers. When The stomach breaks down these foods, producing nausea, and sometimes constipation, even to those without IBS.

Grating broccoli and cauliflower heads (also known as ricing) can make your small intestine’s digestive process easier. But the risk of painful gas and diarrhea that IBS triggers can cause will not be eliminated.

This article discusses the most common IBS symptoms and what to do if you suspect you’ve got it.

1^st is Pain and Cramping

The most common symptom and a key diagnostic factor is abdominal pain.

Your gut and brain are normally working together to control digestion. It happens by hormones, nerves and signals produced by the good bacteria in your gut.

These cooperative signals are distorted in IBS, resulting in uncoordinated and painful tension in the digestive tract muscles.

The pain usually occurs in the lower abdomen or the abdomen as a whole but is less likely to occur alone in the upper abdomen. After a bowel movement, pain typically decreases.

Changes in diet, such as a low FODMAP diet, can improve pain and other symptoms.

Certain therapies include calming of the intestine such as peppermint oil, cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy.

A gastroenterologist can help you find a specifically proven medication to relieve IBS pain for pain that does not respond to these changes.

2^nd is Diarrhea

One of the three main types of condition is diarrhea-predominant IBS. This affects nearly one-third of IBS patients.

A survey of 200 adults found that those with diarrhea-predominant IBS had more than double the number of adults without IBS on average 12 bowel movements per week.

During IBS, rapid bowel movement can also lead to a sudden, intense desire to pass the bowel. For fear of a sudden onset of diarrhea, some patients describe this as a significant source of stress, even avoiding certain social situations.

Therefore, stool in the prevalent form of diarrhea appears to be loose and watery and may contain mucus.

3^rd is Constipation

Although it seems counterintuitive, both constipation and diarrhea can be caused by IBS.

The most common type of constipation-predominant IBS affects nearly 50% of people with IBS.

Altered communication between the brain and the intestine can speed up or slow down the stool’s normal transit time. The bowel absorbs more water from the stool when the transit time slows down, and it becomes more difficult to pass.

Constipation is defined as having less than three movements of the intestine per week.

Therefore “Functional” constipation describes non-explained chronic constipation from another disease. Because it is not, and is very normal, related to IBS. So functional constipation is different from IBS because it is not usually painful.

Because constipation in IBS, on the other hand, involves abdominal pain that makes bowel movements harder.

So constipation in IBS often also induces an incomplete bowel movement sensation. However this results in needless pressure.

Because exercise, drinking more water, consuming soluble fiber, taking probiotics, and the occasional use of laxatives can help along with the normal IBS treatments.

4^th is Alternating Constipation and Diarrhea

So constipation and diarrhea mixed or alternating affect about 20 percent of IBS patients.

Therefore IBS, diarrhea and constipation involve chronic abdominal pain that is recurrent. Because pain is the most important indication that changes are not related to diet or common, mild infections in bowel movements.

So with more frequent and extreme symptoms, this form of IBS appears to be more severe than the others.

However mixed IBS symptoms also vary more from person to person. So this disorder also involves an individualized treatment plan rather than guidelines for “one-size-fits-all.”

5^th is Changes in Bowel Movements

As the intestine absorbs water, slow-moving stool in the intestine is often dehydrated. It, in effect, produces hard stools that can intensify constipation symptoms.

Therefore prompt processing movement through the intestine leaves little time for water absorption and results in the typical loose stores of diarrhea.

Because IBS may also cause mucus to build up in stool that is not usually associated with other constipation causes.

However blood in stool can be a sign of another, potentially severe medical condition and is worth a visit to your doctor. Therefore blood in the stool may appear red, but with a tarry consistency it often appears very dark or black.

6^th is Gas and Bloating

Changed IBS digestion leads to increased gas production in the intestine. This can cause painful bloating.

So many identify bloating with IBS as one of the disorder’s most persistent and nagging symptoms.

So 83 percent reported bloating and cramping in a study of 337 IBS patients. However these signs were more common in women as well as IBS and mixed forms of IBS predominant in constipation.

Therefore it may help to reduce bloating by avoiding lactose and other FODMAPs.

7^th is Food Intolerance

Up to 70 percent of people with IBS experience symptoms caused by specific foods.

Many foods are actively avoided by two-thirds of people with IBS. These individuals sometimes exclude from the diet multiple foods.

Because it is unknown why these foods cause symptoms. Such food intolerances are not allergies, and no observable changes in digestion are triggered by nutrition causes.

So for everyone, trigger foods are different, some common ones include gas-producing foods such as FODMAPs, as well as lactose and gluten.

8^th is Fatigue and Difficulty Sleeping

Therefore less than half of IBS people report exhaustion. So 160 adults diagnosed with IBS described low endurance in one study that limited physical exercise in work, leisure, and social interactions. However another study of 85 adults found the severity of fatigue predicted by the intensity of their symptoms.

IBS is also associated with insomnia, which involves difficulty falling asleep, waking regularly, and morning feeling disturbance. 13 percent recorded poor sleep performance in a study of 112 adults with IBS.

However the analysis of 50 men and women showed that those with IBS feel less rested about an hour longer than those without IBS in the night. So ironically, the next day, poor sleep indicates more serious gastrointestinal symptoms.

9^th is Anxiety and Depression

IBS is also associated with anxiety and depression.

Because if IBS symptoms are a result of mental stress or whether the stress of living with IBS makes people more vulnerable to psychological problems is unknown.

So whatever comes first, in a vicious cycle, depression and gastrointestinal symptoms of IBS strengthen each other.

Therefore about 50 percent of people with IBS were more likely to have an anxiety disorder and about 70 percent more likely to have a mood disorder, such as depression, in a large study of 94,000 men and women.

In patients with and without IBS, another study compared levels of stress hormone cortisol. Those with IBS experienced greater changes in cortisol due to a public-speaking task, suggesting higher levels of stress. In addition, another study found that stress and symptoms of IBS were decreased by anxiety reduction therapy.